MCG to Get Green Cover

Government allocates Rs 7.5 lakh for the project.

One of the renowned sports ground in Secunderabad area, the Marredpally Cricket Ground (MCG), in East Marredpally is due for a makeover. GHMC plans to provide grass cover to the stadium by the first week of March.
A favorite hangout for a large number of youngsters and teenagers of the area, who come lugging heavy cricketing kits during the evenings, MCG  has  been a launching pad for a number of National players from the city. With the approaching summer holidays, it is expected to host a series of tournaments. "I would love to play in the ground filled with grass. I hope it would be completed before our summer holidays ," said M Karunakar, an intermediate student.     
Considering the growing demand for revamping of the existing ground, the Government has sanctioned Rs 7.5 lakh for providing green cover on a priority basis. Work has already started to make 'Green MCG' a reality. With the aim of providing continuous water supply for the grass and plants, a 'water sump' is being built inside the ground, which will be completed in a week. According to the authorities, the sump along with a restroom and railing has already cost the Government Rs 3.5 lakh.
We were also informed that the idea of greening of the MCG was mooted some two years ago but due to technical reasons it could not materialize. Now, post approval, Contractors have been engaged and work is going on in full earnest. "I wanted to give something better to the youngsters of the area and when they start playing in this grass filled ground, a part of my objective will be accomplished," expressed Saritha Yadav, local Corporator.

Other Sport projects in the area:
The Teachers colony in East Marredpally has been another happening place in the area for sports lovers. With a sanction of Rs 10 lakh, the local authorities are busy providing the GHMC ground with a number of sports tracts including basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court, besides a cricket ground.  "Once these projects are completed, the Marredpally area will have sports amenities unseen in other parts of the city," exclaimed Prithvi Raj, Assistant Director, Sports, GHMC North.
Authorities have also invited tenders for construction of a fence around the basket ball court in Nehrunagar, Marredpally. As several schools in the area are utilizing the sports arena and park, authorities are undertaking this project with a view to making it secure for kids.

--Md Nizamuddin